Starlab survey reveals widespread laboratory cost cuts in major European economies

The company surveyed nearly 400 lab employees from the UK, Germany, France and Italy, plus Austria for its ‘mood barometer’ Science on the backburner.

Responses suggested that nearly two thirds (64%) of those answering have had to make cost cutting measures. More than one third said they expected 2025 to produce negative economic developments.

With close to eight in 10 responders calling for governments to place greater priority on life science, the MD of Starlab parent company Starlab International GmbH, Klaus Ambos,demanded an end to science being “misused as a political pawn”.

Following a video conference launch of its report the firm issued a statement contrasting the sector’s treatment during and after the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Celebrated as indispensable and systemically relevant during the pandemic, the life science industry now finds itself in a dramatic dilemma between the highest scientific quality standards and massive cuts in the research landscape,” it stated.

The survey revealed that more than 36% of respondents expected reductions in R&D budgets, with 29% predicting standstills and 18% predicting increases.

The percentage expecting significant reductions (defined as 10% or more) was three times those expecting significant rises: 15% versus 5%.

To read the Starlab report, click here.